stroke survival guide - home care association of new hampshire · 2016. 9. 8. · stroke may only...

Presents the:

Stroke

Survival

Guide Practical tips and resources for individuals

affected by stroke.

Revised May 2016

“Working together to prevent strokes, improve outcomes, and inspire hope”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction……………………………………………………………….………...3

What is a Stroke……………………………………………………………….…..4

Stroke Myth versus Fact…………………………………………………….…5

Stroke Risk Scorecard………………………………………………..………...6

Home Safety Checklist……………………………………………………...7‐8

Post Stroke Rehabilitation…………………………………………………...9

Links to Useful Information……………………………………………10‐13

Post Stroke Checklist……………………………………………………..14‐15

The guide is available on line at

http: //thenecc.org/nhrehabilitation.html

May 2016


Introduction

Stroke recovery can be a difficult and confusing process for

individuals affected by stroke. This guide is meant to help you

better navigate the recovery process and prevent another

stroke.

This guide provides helpful information and abundant

resources.

It is important that you do what you can to prevent another

stroke and this Stroke Survivor Guide will help you and your

family do just that. Please contact your healthcare provider

with any questions you may have about this information.

May 2016


What is a Stroke/Brain Attack

A stroke is a “brain attack”. It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost. How a person is affected by their stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. For example, someone who had a small stroke may only have minor problems such as temporary weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be permanently paralyzed on one side of their body or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. (National Stroke Association)

May 2016


MYTH

FACT

MYTH: Stroke cannot be prevented. FACT: Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable.

MYTH: There is no treatment for stroke. FACT: At any sign of stroke call 9-1-1- immediately. Treatment may be available.

MYTH: Stroke only affects the elderly. FACT: Stroke can happen to anyone at any time.

MYTH: Stroke happens in the heart. FACT: Stroke is a "brain attack".

MYTH: Stroke recovery only happens for the first few months after a stroke.

FACT: Stroke recovery is a lifelong process.

MYTH: Strokes are rare. FACT: There are nearly 7 million stroke survivors in the U.S. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S.

MYTH: Strokes are not hereditary. FACT: Family history of stroke increases your chance for stroke.

MYTH: If stroke symptoms go away, you don’t have to see a doctor.

FACT: Temporary stroke symptoms are called transient ischemic attacks (TIA). They are warning signs prior to actual stroke and need to be taken seriously. (National Stroke Association)

How safe is your home?

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

Read the following questions and answer them by checking YES or NO. YES means SAFE and NO means UNSAFE and should be corrected. Asterisk (*) indicates easy items to correct.

Kitchen Are drawers and cupboards closed to avoid bumping into them?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Is the floor made of a slip resistant material? Yes ☐ No ☐ Do floor mats have a slip resistant backing?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Are spills cleaned up quickly to prevent slipping?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Is a washed floor allowed to dry before walking on it?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Are regularly used items reachable without climbing, bending or stooping? Yes ☐ No ☐ If there is a step stool, does it have a wide leg base, rubber tips, and handrails? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there good lighting around the stove, sink, and counters, but doesn’t cause a glare? Yes ☐ No ☐ Can you safely carry hot food from the stove to the table? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are electrical cords from appliances safely stored and off the floor?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Hallway and Stairs Are your railings sturdy, waist high, and easy to grasp along both sides of stairway, including those to the basement? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are stairs in good repair? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are stairs free of clutter?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Is bright, non-skid tape placed on the top and bottom steps to indicate where they begin and end? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are step surfaces non-skid and even? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are all carpets and runners secured? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is the hallway and stairway adequately lit? Yes ☐ No ☐ If there is a change in the level between rooms, is it easily seen? Yes ☐ No ☐ Bathrooms Do the tub and shower have rubber mats, non-skid strips, or non-skid surfaces?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Are towels, shampoo, and soap within easy reach?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a grab bar on the wall or the side of the tub or shower, which is both properly installed and designed to hold the weight of a person? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a tub seat? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a portable hand held showerhead? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there an appropriate toilet seat and grab bars around the toilet? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is the floor slip-resistant? Is it free of loose rugs and loose tiles? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a way to prevent slippery floors after bathing? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are electrical cords from appliances safely stored and off the floor? Yes ☐ No ☐

Bedrooms Is there a well-lit pathway from the bedroom to the bathroom?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Do you have a light or flashlight within easy reach of the bed?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a telephone that’s easy to reach from the bed?* Yes ☐ No ☐ If there are extension cords, are they secured to the wall, not across the floors or under carpets?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there something sturdy to hold on to next to the bed to assist in getting in and out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are small rugs secured with carpet tape or non-skid backing? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a bedside table for glasses, books, etc rather than cluttering the floor beside the bed? Yes ☐ No ☐ If a cane or walking device is needed, is it kept at hand but not in the way?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Living Room/General Living Areas Are the carpets flat and in good condition? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are small rugs and runners secured with carpet tape or non-skid backing? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is the furniture placed to allow wide walkways?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Are walkways clear of tripping hazards such as low furniture, grandchildren’s toys and electrical and telephone cords?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Are chairs and sofas high enough for easy sitting and standing? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are the chairs and tables stable enough to support weight if leaned on? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there adequate light when entering each room/area? Yes ☐ No ☐ Entrances and Outdoor Walkways Are the outdoor stairs and walkways free from cracks, obstacles, leaves, ice, snow, and holes? Yes ☐ No ☐ During the winter, is sand and/or salt available for slippery surfaces to ensure safety? Yes ☐ No ☐ Do the stairways have secure handrails? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is the entrance well lit at night? Yes ☐ No ☐ Additional Home Safety Questions Is there a way to access Emergency Services in each room if you fall or need help, for instance by phone, pull cord, or personal alert device? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is the hot water temperature set to 120 degrees or lower to avoid scald burns? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there at least one working smoke detector on each level of the home and near each bedroom? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are smoke detectors tested monthly? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are the batteries replaced twice a year?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home? Yes ☐ No ☐ Is there a fire extinguisher in the home? Yes ☐ No ☐ Are emergency phone numbers beside each phone?* Yes ☐ No ☐ Are fireplaces protected by a screen or glass door? Yes ☐ No ☐

Action Plan Please indicate areas needing attention.

Funding may be available for Home Modifications. For more information, call ServiceLink toll free at 1-866-634-9412. Developed by the NH Falls Risk Reduction Task Force. www.nhfalls.org

Post Stroke Rehabilitation Rehabilitative therapy begins in the acute-care hospital after your overall condition has been stabilized, often within 24 to 48 hours after the stroke.

At the time of discharge from the hospital, you and your caregiver will work with hospital discharge planners to determine the most suitable level of rehab. Your recovery may include rehab in one or more of the following settings:

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Provides:

Medical care from a doctor that will take care of your medical needs: you will see them almost every day during the week

Nurses who are specialists in caring for your nursing and rehabilitation needs A team of therapists including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists,

recreational therapists, psychologists and brace and wheelchair specialists working together to meet all of your needs

Therapy at least 3 hours per day, 5-7 days per week

Skilled Nursing Facility/Inpatient: Provides:

About an hour and a half of therapy a day; 5-7 days per week A slower paced, longer term rehab program A team of therapists including Physical therapists, Occupational therapists and Speech therapist A physician that will see you once a week

Outpatient Provides:

Individuals with several hours, often 2-3 days each week, at the facility taking part in coordinated therapy sessions

At times treatment programs similar to those of inpatient facilities, but they also can offer less demanding regimens, depending on your endurance

Physical therapy, Occupational therapy and Speech therapy to address your remaining functional limitations

Home Health Care Provides:

Participation in an intensive level of therapy several hours per week or follows a less demanding regimen

Nursing, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, social workers and aides to assist with your personal care

The advantage of practicing skills and developing strategies in your own living environment


Links to Useful Information and Resources

Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.

The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire is the only state-wide organization in New Hampshire dedicated to brain injury and stroke support, prevention, education, and advocacy for survivors and caregivers. http://www.bianh.org/ 1-800-773-8400 https://www.facebook.com/BIANH

ServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Center ServiceLink provides information so that you can access and make connections to resources you need to make informed choices and live independently in your community.

http://www.nh.gov/servicelink 1-866-634-9412 2-1-1 New Hampshire Community Resources

New Hampshire citizens now have one, easy to remember phone number to call to access all the health and human services available to them. As of June 11, 2008, callers anywhere in the state who dial 2-1-1 are connected, at no charge, to a trained information and referral specialist who can provide them with the information they need to get help. http://www.211nh.org/Content.aspx?aboutus

Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or 866-444-4211 TTY Number: 603-634-3388

American Stroke Association (ASA)

Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question. http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/ 1-888-4 STROKE https://www.facebook.com/AmericanStroke


Links to Useful Information and Resources Continued

American Stroke Foundation (ASF)

To empower stroke survivors and their families to overcome ongoing challenges of life after stroke and rejuvenate their lives. http://www.americanstroke.org/ 1-913-649-1776 https://www.facebook.com/asf97

The Brain Attack Coalition (BAC) The Brain Attack Coalition is a group of professional, voluntary, and governmental entities dedicated to reducing the occurrence, disabilities, and death associated with stroke. The goal of the Coalition is to strengthen and promote the relationships among its member organizations in order to help people who have had a stroke or are at risk for a stroke. http://www.stroke-site.org/ 301-496-5751

The Brain Injury Association of America The mission of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. We are dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury. With a network of state affiliates, local chapters and support groups, we are the voice of brain injury. www.biausa.org 703-761-0750 https://www.facebook.com/BrainInjuryAssociationofAmerica


Links to Useful Information and Resources Continued Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention works to improve cardiovascular health through public health strategies and policies that promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors, health environments and communities, and access to early and affordable detection and treatment http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/ 1-800-CDC-INFO

The Hazel K. Goddess Fund for Stroke Research in Women The Goddess Fund was created with one clear and compelling goal: to eliminate the impact of stroke in women's lives, the lives of their families, and society at large. http://www.thegoddessfund.org/ 561-623-0504

The Internet Stroke Center The Internet Stroke Center's mission is to advance understanding of stroke research and clinical care. Our goal is to provide current, professional, unbiased information about stroke. http://www.strokecenter.org/ 214-648-3111

National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Stroke Information Page

The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is to reduce the burden of neurological disease—a burden borne by every age group, by every segment of society, by people all over the world. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm 800-352-9424


Links to Useful Information and Resources Continued National Stroke Association (NSA)

National Stroke Association's mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for all impacted by stroke. http://www.strokenetwork.org/ 1-800-787-6537 https://www.facebook.com/NationalStrokeAssociation

Stroke Engine The Stroke Engine website is sponsored by the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery. Here you can find information if you just had a stroke, are starting rehabilitation, leaving the hospital or living with a stroke.

http://www.strokengine.ca/ The Stroke Network

An on-line stroke support network of stroke information. Message board and chat on-line for stroke survivor and stroke caregiver support. http://www.strokenetwork.org/

Support Group Finder - American Stroke Association Locate community support groups in your area.

http://www.strokeassociation.org/strokegroup 1-888-4-STROKE


POST-STROKE CHECKLIST (PSC):For Survivors and CaregiversMany stroke survivors live with problems that could be treated but aren’t, because they never tell their doctor about those problems.Fill out this checklist and use it to talk with your doctor about problems you might be having. Read each item and circle the most correct answer.

COMPLETED BY: Stroke Survivor Caregiver

1. RECURRENT STROKE PREVENTIONSince your stroke, have you made lifestyle changes to prevent another stroke?

Do you monitor your blood pressure?Never 1-2 x/Month 1-2 x/Week Always

(at least daily)

Do you take medication(s) as prescribed Never 1-2 x/Month 1-2 x/Week Always

If overweight, have you lost weight? No Yes N/A

Do you exercise regularly?Never 1-2 x/Month 1-2 x/Week Always

(at least daily)

Have you stopped smoking? No Yes N/A

2. ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVINGSince your stroke, is it harder to:

Dress? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Bathe? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Eat or prepare meals? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Go outside? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

3. MOBILITY AND MOVEMENTSince your stroke, is it harder to:

Walk? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Move between bed and chair? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Do you fall more easily? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Get in and out of a car? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Balance? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

4. SPASTICITY OR TIGHTNESSSince your stroke, do you have more stiffness in your:

Arms? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Hands? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Legs? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

NationalSTROKEAssociation™

COMPLETED BY: Stroke Survivor Caregiver

5. PAINSince your stroke:

Do you have any new pain? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Do you have pain more often? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Is your pain more severe? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

6. INCONTINENCESince your stroke, are you having trouble controlling your:

Bowels? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Bladder? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

7. COMMUNICATIONSince your stroke, are you having trouble:

Communicating with others? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Speaking? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Reading? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Using numbers? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

8. MOODSince your stroke, are you feeling:

Anxious? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Moody or having mismatched and/or unstable emotions? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Depressed? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Like a different person? Has your behavior changed? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

9. COGNITIONSince your stroke, is it harder to:

Think? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Concentrate? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Remember things? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

10. LIFE AFTER STROKESince your stroke, is it harder to:

Work? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Participate in social and leisure activities or hobbies? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

11. SEXUALITYSince your stroke, are you unhappy with:

Your sexual and intimate relationship? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

Your sexual functioning? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

12. RELATIONSHIP WITH FAMILY Have your relationships with your family or friends become more difficult or stressed since your stroke? Always 1-2 x/Week 1-2 x/Month Never

stroke survival guide - home care association of new hampshire · 2016. 9. 8. · stroke may only...

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